Lombard Odier has cultivated a distinct presence in the Middle East, blending Swiss heritage with a deep understanding of regional values. The bank’s excellence in private banking is driven by innovation, sustainability and bespoke client services, with judges particularly noting its strong focus on fund selection, digital solutions and alternative investments.
The bank’s differentiation lies in its fusion of Islamic finance with sustainable investing, a strategy rooted in long-term conviction. This approach has particularly resonated with the Middle Eastern market’s growing interest in responsible investing and wealth preservation.
Since launching its first Shariah-compliant discretionary mandate in 2012, Lombard Odier has prioritised transparency and performance, earning formal certification in 2018. At the end of July 2024, the bank’s Islamic Equity mandate had delivered an annualised net return of 8.97% since inception, outperforming its benchmark, while its Sukuk-focused mandate achieved a 3.34% annualised return, consistently eclipsing market standards. Such results reflect a disciplined, research-driven process that avoids speculative trends, focusing instead on durable growth aligned with clients’ ethical frameworks.
In 2024, Lombard Odier expanded its offerings to meet rising demand from both regional families and global institutions seeking morally anchored investments. A notable achievement was the success of its Assayil Global Strategy Certificate, launched in 2022, which gained 23% by mid-2024 and attracted $34 million in assets.
Collaborations such as its partnership with SEDCO Capital have solidified its leadership and resulted in a pioneering sustainable equity fund compliant with both Shariah principles and European regulations – managing $84 million as of July 2024.
Central to its appeal is a bespoke model that eschews one-size-fits-all solutions. The bank’s “masterlist” of pre-vetted funds grants clients exclusive access to niche, top-tier managers while maintaining rigorous diversification across geographies and sectors. Lombard Odier abstains from referral fees or placement roles, ensuring unbiased advice – a philosophy resonating with ultra-high-net-worth families.
Lombard Odier has carved a niche where ethics and performance converge – proving that principled investing is not just viable, but transformative
Digital solutions remain a cornerstone. Tools like Global Assets+ and LO Smart provide clients with real-time portfolio transparency, automated performance tracking and customisable reporting – capabilities that simplify complex asset management for families and institutions alike.
Through initiatives like the LO Generations Masterclass, families gain tools to steward wealth responsibly, while bespoke training modules on topics such as sustainable investing and blockchain cater to evolving interests. Such efforts have translated into tangible trust: over 65% of clients entrust the bank with discretionary mandates.
Lombard Odier has carved a niche where ethics and performance converge – proving that principled investing is not just viable, but transformative.
Stanislas Peel is global co-head of wealth planning at Lombard Odier.
